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Educational holiday gifts for your little genius; University of Richmond professors' recommendations

November 20, 2007
By Lori Tiernan, University of Richmond Feature Service

All parents want their children to be little geniuses. That seems logical, since childhood is the most influential phase in a human's brain-growth.

Craig Kinsley, professor of neuroscience at the University of Richmond, says "children today face a world in which education competes with entertainment, enlightenment with ephemera. Parents should strive to find ways to share the wonder of their worlds with their children. A starter microscope or magnifying glass and a half hour in the yard together can open up a world to a child—as well as the parent."

The options in educational gifts are endless. Applying their specific expertise, several University of Richmond professors offer suggestions for educational holiday gifts.

Tom Mullen, director of public affairs journalism, suggests a variety of children's magazines, which keep children reading all year long. "I think magazines such as these can help engage young readers and spark their interests at an age-appropriate level," he says. His suggestions include:

  • Muse, which contains stories that teach the fundamentals of science, history and art
  • Dig, which covers actual archaeological expeditions.
  • National Geographic for Kids, which educates children about their planet, inspiring them to care.

Mari Lee Mifsud, chair of Richmond's rhetoric and communication studies department, recommends an unabridged encyclopedic dictionary to help children begin to make connections between language and culture and the present and the past. Advancing the meaning of language will increase a child's knowledge in all areas, she says. The price of Webster's unabridged dictionary is $42.34 (http://www.barnesandnoble.com).

Mavis Brown, associate professor of education, recommends the new National Geographic children's book "1607: A New Look at Jamestown," which uses recent archaeological discoveries to provide updated information about how the colonists lived. "This beautiful and informative book is useful to anyone wanting to know more about Jamestown," she says. The price is $17.95 (http://www.shop.nationalgeographic.com).

Holly Blake, director of the Women Involved in Living and Learning program (WILL), recommends compact discs that encourage diversity. "These CD's are beautiful, fun and educational." Some examples include:

  • Tish Hinojosa's bilingual CD titled "Cada Nino/Every Child."
  • Sweet Honey in The Rock, an African American women's group, has two children's CD's: "Still the Same Me" and "I Got Shoes."

Melissa Ooten, assistant director of WILL, suggests the following children's books that inspire a positive female mindset:

  • Carolivia Herron's "Nappy Hair," which "helps children think positively about physical characteristics that have traditionally been viewed negatively and to be proud of these features"
  • Amy Timberlake's "That Girl Lucy Moon," which tells a story to older children about the importance of activism and claiming one's own life regardless of judgments from others."

Heather Campbell, curator of museum programs, recommends checking with local museums, most of which offer youth programs.

"Local museum programs are fun and educational too. Children have opportunities to explore collections and exhibitions as well as participate in hands-on, creative projects and interesting experiments," she says.

For example, in the Richmond area, The Visual Arts Center of Richmond offers art classes for ages 6-16 (http://www.visarts.org). Classes include:

  • Cartooning, in which children create their own cartoon characters and stories as they learn professional drawing methods. Cost of the program is $130.
  • Totventure, a hands-on first art class for youngsters. The class is designed for parents and children to explore together various materials, tools and possibilities of drawing, painting and sculpture. Cost of the program is $95.

Campbell says The Science Museum of Virginia offers several programs, including a "Camp In" that gives children an overview of everything the museum has to offer, including the Imax Dome. The price is $36 (http://www.smv.org).

Walter Schoen, associate professor of theatre, suggests taking children to musical, theatrical or dance productions at The Kennedy Center. "In addition to the regularly scheduled performances by internationally and nationally renowned artists, dancers, musicians, symphonies and theatre companies, The Kennedy Center has a substantial schedule of child and family oriented events," he says. A list of events can be found at http://www.kennedy-center.org. Some upcoming performances include:

  • Peter and the Wolf, March 2. Tickets range from $15-$18.
  • Pacifico Dance Company, Mexican folk dance and innovative choreography; Jan.19-20. Tickets are $18.
  • "My Fair Lady;" Dec.27-Jan. 20. Tickets range from $25-$150.

Jim Monks, associate professor of economics, recommends investment in Disney stock.

"It is a company all kids are familiar with and begins them asking questions and learning about stock ownership."

Terry Weisenberger, associate dean of the Robins School of Business, suggests purchasing stock through a discount broker for lower commissions. "They can be anywhere from $6.95 to $19.95 per trade," he says.